hawaiian bbq chicken recipe.

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Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is juicy, tender, sweet, smoky, and packed with tropical flavor. Chicken is marinated in a delicious pineapple-soy BBQ sauce with garlic, ginger, and brown sugar, then grilled until beautifully caramelized. Serve it with grilled pineapple, rice, or your favorite Hawaiian-inspired sides for an easy family dinner or summer BBQ.

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe – Easy Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Make this easy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken with juicy chicken, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and BBQ sauce. Perfect for grilling, family dinners, and summer cookouts.

Why You'll Love This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

  • Sweet and savory: Pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and BBQ sauce create a delicious balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and smoky flavors.
  • Juicy and tender: Marinating the chicken helps infuse it with flavorful moisture before grilling.
  • Tropical flavor: Pineapple, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce give the chicken a delicious Hawaiian-inspired taste.
  • Perfect for grilling: The chicken develops beautiful grill marks and a caramelized BBQ glaze.
  • Easy to make: The marinade comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
  • Great for summer: It's perfect for backyard BBQs, picnics, family gatherings, and warm-weather dinners.
  • Family-friendly: The sweet and savory flavor appeals to both children and adults.
  • Versatile: Use chicken thighs or chicken breasts depending on your preference.
  • Make-ahead friendly: The chicken can be marinated ahead of time, making dinner preparation easier.
  • Perfect with pineapple: Grilled pineapple adds a juicy, caramelized tropical element to the meal.

What Is Hawaiian BBQ Chicken?

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a Hawaiian-inspired grilled chicken dish featuring a sweet, savory, and tangy marinade or glaze. Pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger are commonly used to create its tropical flavor profile. Similar preparations are often associated with Huli Huli-style chicken.

This homemade version combines those tropical flavors with BBQ sauce for a rich, sticky glaze that works beautifully on the grill. Serve it with grilled pineapple and rice for a simple Hawaiian-inspired meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 pineapple rings or slices, fresh or canned

For the Hawaiian BBQ Marinade

  • ¾ cup pineapple juice
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

For Garnish

  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • Sesame seeds, optional

How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade

Add the pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to a bowl.

Whisk until the brown sugar is well incorporated and the marinade is smooth.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow container.

Pour about two-thirds of the marinade over the chicken and turn to coat thoroughly.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.

Reserve the remaining marinade separately in the refrigerator for basting.

3. Prepare the BBQ Sauce

Pour the reserved unused marinade into a small saucepan.

Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Set aside for basting.

Important: Never use marinade that has contacted raw chicken as a finishing sauce unless it has been thoroughly boiled first.

4. Preheat the Grill

Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400–450°F (200–230°C).

Clean and lightly oil the grill grates.

5. Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade.

Place the chicken thighs on the hot grill.

Grill for about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on their thickness.

Brush the chicken with the prepared BBQ sauce during the final few minutes of cooking.

Continue grilling until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

6. Grill the Pineapple

During the final few minutes, place the pineapple rings on the grill.

Cook for about 2–4 minutes per side, or until lightly charred and caramelized.

7. Rest and Serve

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes.

Garnish with sliced green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds if desired.

Serve with grilled pineapple and your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for the Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

  • Use chicken thighs: Boneless chicken thighs stay especially juicy on the grill and work beautifully with this marinade.
  • Don't skip the marinade: Allow at least 2 hours for the chicken to absorb the pineapple, soy, garlic, and ginger flavors.
  • Don't marinate too long: About 12 hours is plenty for this recipe.
  • Reserve marinade before adding chicken: Always set aside the basting sauce before the marinade touches raw chicken.
  • Pat the chicken lightly dry: Removing excess marinade helps the chicken brown and develop better grill marks.
  • Watch the heat: The brown sugar and BBQ sauce can caramelize quickly, so avoid excessively high heat.
  • Baste near the end: Applying the sauce during the final minutes helps create a glossy, flavorful glaze without excessive burning.
  • Use a thermometer: Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
  • Don't press the chicken: Avoid flattening the chicken with a spatula because this can release flavorful juices.
  • Let it rest: A short resting period helps the chicken remain juicy when sliced.
  • Grill the pineapple: Charred pineapple adds sweetness and smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce: This gives you more control over the overall saltiness.
  • Add heat if desired: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a little Sriracha for a spicy Hawaiian BBQ chicken.
  • Don't overcrowd the grill: Leave space around each piece so the chicken grills rather than steams.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hawaiian BBQ Chicken with:

  • Steamed white rice
  • Coconut rice
  • Hawaiian macaroni salad
  • Grilled pineapple
  • Hawaiian rolls
  • Coleslaw
  • Grilled vegetables
  • Cucumber salad
  • Fresh green salad
  • Corn on the cob
  • Roasted potatoes
  • Avocado
  • Fresh fruit salad

For a Hawaiian-inspired plate lunch, serve the chicken with white rice, macaroni salad, and grilled pineapple.

Variations

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Breasts

Replace the chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pound very thick breasts to an even thickness so they cook more evenly.

Spicy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Add extra red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or a finely chopped chili pepper to the marinade.

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Skewers

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers with pineapple, bell peppers, and onions before grilling.

Baked Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish and bake at 400°F (200°C) until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Brush with the prepared BBQ sauce during the final few minutes.

Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Add extra grilled pineapple slices or chunks when serving for an even stronger tropical flavor.

Storage

Allow leftover chicken to cool and refrigerate it in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.

Store refrigerated Hawaiian BBQ Chicken for up to 3–4 days.

For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months for best quality.

Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Oven

Place the chicken in a baking dish with a small splash of water or extra BBQ sauce. Cover loosely with foil and reheat at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Microwave

Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals until hot throughout.

Grill

Reheat over medium heat for a few minutes per side, brushing with a little BBQ sauce to help keep the chicken moist.

Avoid repeatedly reheating the same portion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hawaiian BBQ Chicken?

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a Hawaiian-inspired chicken dish featuring a sweet and savory marinade or glaze commonly built around pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sugar. BBQ sauce can also be incorporated for additional smoky flavor.

Is Hawaiian BBQ Chicken the same as Huli Huli Chicken?

They are closely related in flavor and preparation, but the names are not necessarily interchangeable. Huli Huli chicken is a specific Hawaiian-style grilled chicken preparation, while Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a broader term for chicken prepared with Hawaiian-inspired BBQ flavors.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes. Chicken breasts work well, but they can dry out more easily than thighs. Cook them carefully and use a thermometer to avoid overcooking.

How long should I marinate Hawaiian BBQ Chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours and up to 12 hours for good flavor.

Can I use fresh pineapple juice?

Yes. Fresh pineapple juice provides excellent tropical flavor. However, because fresh pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, avoid excessively long marinating times.

Can I make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken without a grill?

Yes. You can cook the chicken in a grill pan, skillet, or oven and finish it with the prepared BBQ glaze.

What should I serve with Hawaiian BBQ Chicken?

White rice, Hawaiian macaroni salad, grilled pineapple, Hawaiian rolls, coleslaw, and grilled vegetables are excellent choices.

How do I prevent Hawaiian BBQ Chicken from burning?

Because the marinade contains sugar, cook the chicken over moderate heat and apply the BBQ glaze mainly during the final few minutes.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer. The thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken ahead of time?

Yes. You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and prepare the sauce separately. Cook the chicken shortly before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition Facts

Approximate nutrition per serving, excluding rice and additional side dishes:

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg
  • Sodium: 1,050 mg
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 23 g

Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary depending on the chicken cut, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, pineapple juice, sugar, and other ingredients used.

Similar Recipes

  • Huli Huli Chicken
  • Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken
  • Hawaiian Chicken
  • Pineapple Chicken
  • Hawaiian Chicken Teriyaki
  • Grilled BBQ Chicken
  • Pineapple BBQ Chicken
  • Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a delicious combination of juicy grilled chicken, sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a rich BBQ glaze. The caramelized exterior and tropical flavors make it a fantastic choice for family dinners, backyard cookouts, and summer gatherings.

Serve it with steamed rice, Hawaiian macaroni salad, grilled pineapple, or fresh vegetables for a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal.

Try this easy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe at home and enjoy juicy, smoky chicken with sweet tropical flavor in every bite!

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